Tenants Must Still Pay Part Of Electricity Bills While Away From Home – Rent Officer

The Municipal Rent Officer for Atwima Nwabiagya South, Isaac Addai Asubonteng, has explained that tenants must still pay part of electricity bills even when they travel and do not stay in the house for some time.

Speaking in an interview with Kofi Boakye on Nkwantannanso, he said utility bills are based on usage and other fixed charges that remain applicable regardless of whether a tenant is present or not.

“The issue is that they are called utility bills, and once you use a utility, you are expected to pay for it,” he stated.

According to him, electricity bills in many compound houses are shared based on “points,” where the number of appliances or electrical usage points in a tenant’s room determines the amount to be paid.

He explained that aside from actual electricity consumption, there are fixed charges on bills, including streetlight levy, government levy, and Energy Commission levy, which tenants are still expected to contribute toward even if they are away.

“For instance, if the tenant normally pays for five points, the person may be asked to pay for one point while away,” he said.

Mr. Asubonteng noted that electricity supply in the house continues to provide security for tenants’ belongings left behind, which is why some minimal payment may still apply during periods of absence.

He clarified, however, that this arrangement is not directly stated in the Rent Act but is rather used by the Rent Control Department as a practical approach to maintaining peace between landlords and tenants.

On water bills, he explained that tenants who travel and do not use water during that period are not expected to pay, but they must inform their landlords before leaving.

Mr. Asubonteng also spoke about rent increments under the Rent Act 220, explaining that landlords are allowed to increase rent after every two years provided the increase does not exceed 50%.

He added that rent can also be increased before the two-year period if the landlord improves or adds value to the property.

“The Rent Act also states that the longest tenancy period in Ghana is six months, while the shortest tenancy period is one month,” he disclosed.

According to him, the arrangement was introduced to reduce the financial burden on tenants and ensure fairness within the rental system.